OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO Guinea Bissau Country Office directs and coordinates the authority for health by supporting the Government in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of national health policies,strategies and plans, setting norms and standards, improving knowledge dissemination and management, monitoring country health situation and building sustainable institutional capacity. The Country Office develops a two-way collaboration with the Government of Guinea Bissau to achieve universal health coverage, providing accessible, affordable and quality health services to all its citizens.

This is in support of the Government efforts of achieving national health goals; of ensuring the attainment of UHC and of contributing to global and regional public health action by providing need-based technical assistance in national policy formulation, setting norms and standards,improving knowledge dissemination and management, monitoring country health situation and building sustainable institutional capacity, to play a greater leadership role in different national level policy and technical forums Within the framework of the Country Cooperation Strategy, the Health Systems and Services Cluster objective is to promote the UHC through strengthening primary healthcare. The Health Systems and Services Cluster provides technical and coordination support to the Government of Guinea Bissau for evidence-based feasible, sustainable, and equitable national health polices, strategies and plans toward universal health coverage.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Supports health policy development and health planning in the context of decentralized health system, including technical consultations and coordination with different stakeholders and partners from within and outside the health sector. Assist with regular reviews, assessment and evaluation of policies and plans including the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation frameworks for PHC, UHC and SDGs.3;

Provides technical assistance in the design,implementation and monitoring/evaluation of health services delivery and management at multiple levels, with a strong focus on primary health care approach with effective referral systems, quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Provides technical support to country for the implementation of National Action Plan for Anti-microbial-resistance (AMR) and Essential Medicines and Medical Products program

Assist the MoPH with effective engagement with non-state actors including the private sector in the national UHC agenda through strengthening of appropriate mechanisms (e.g., coordination,regulation, licensing, accreditation, etc.)

Support MoPH in its decision-making role across all levels through capacity building for strengthening results-based governance and performance of the health system including the use of information and management tools, including coordination of Technical Assistance to WHO/EU/GAVI/Global Funds/STBF initiatives to rollout Essential Public Health Functions through support INASA;

Support Sexual and Reproductive Health &Rights; support National Immunization Program and other Priority areas such as health information management and digital health; or other donor funded projects

Conducts capacity building, builds partnerships and plays a strong advocacy role. Actively secures opportunities to build partnerships across an extensive network of contacts, including donor partner sand national focal points. Presents technical briefings to ensure accurate and consistent delivery of corporate messages and WHO advice by team and programme staff;

Plans, organizes and coordinates the organization's technical cooperation program in the Country in the area of Integrated and People Centered Health Services and Primary Health Care, in close coordination with other technical teams, especially the Gender, Equity and Human Rights focal point to ensure equity in health outcomes and human rights-based approach in all our programming;

Supports Unit's activities along with those of other related areas of work in order to maximize resource utilization

Perform other duties as assigned by the functional supervisors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First university degree in health-related science and a training in public health,community/family medicine, health systems /services administration, health management or health related field from an accredited/recognized institute

Desirable: Post graduate in Public health, health systems/services administration, health management or health related field.

Experience

Essential:

A minimum of five (5) years of work experience relevant to the position ( in developing and/or implementing public health, capacity-building policies/strategies and programmes) at the national level. Demonstrated professional working at sub-national and /or country level; providing technical advice and services to sub-national and/or national counterparts, MOH and other partners on health programs in resource limited settings

Experience in major programs or activities related to health systems recovery and development, health services delivery in emergencies, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas, and developing strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services, including essential medicines. Ability to interact effectively with multiple high-level stakeholders from government, development partners, etc

Desirable: Prior working experience in formulation of national, sub-national and systems policies, strategies, and plans at field level with WHO, other UN agency.

Skills

1) Demonstrated communication skills and ability to monitor and communicate progress in terms of process and results

2) Proven skills in policy development, planning,monitoring and evaluating health systems.

3) Demonstrated ability to provide sound methodological, technical advice and guidance to multiple stakeholders and partners in health sector reform and public administration reform.

4) Demonstrated ability to innovate, integrate, synthesize and communicate complex concepts and ideas verbally and in writing.

5)Demonstrated capacity to raise the profile of WHO in Guinea Bissau.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Ensuring the effective use of resources

Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of Portuguese

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at XOF 24,617,000 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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..Purpose of consultancy The purpose of this consultancy is to lead Phase 2 of WHO technical support for IPC, WASH and logistics standards within WHO supported MEDEVAC operations, with a focus on measurable quality of services enhancement, sustainability and scalability. Phase 2 is designed as a continuation of Phase 1 and moves decisively from technical development toward operationalisation, monitoring, mentorship and institutional capacity strengthening, with Lviv Regional EMS as the primary implementation site. In addition, and subject to WHO priorities and operational feasibility, the consultancy provides a structured framework for progressive extension of selected tools, training materials and technical approaches to other EMS systems-actors involved in MEDEVAC operations, ensuring coherence, harmonization and efficiency across multiple contexts. Background Since early 2022, the WHO supported Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) mechanism from Ukraine to EU/EEA countries has constituted the largest international patient evacuation operation supported by WHO to date. Ukrainian emergency medical services (EMS), particularly the Lviv Regional Emergency Medical Service, play a central operational role in ensuring safe, coordinated and clinically appropriate transfers of patients across borders and within Ukraine. In recognition of heightened risks related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infection prevention and control (IPC), logistics coordination and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) during medical evacuation and repatriation, WHO implemented Phase 1 of a dedicated technical consultancy between January and June 2026. Phase 1 focused on analysis, system design and foundation building, delivering: • Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and tools for IPC, WASH and MEDEVAC logistics; • Vehicle zoning and decontamination protocols adapted to EMS and ambulance bus fleets; • Training architectures and materials; • An EMT verification readiness framework; and • A documented baseline using WHO aligned monitoring and assessment methodologies. While Phase 1 established the technical foundation, sustained risk reduction and service quality improvement require implementation fidelity, structured monitoring, institutionalisation and capacity transfer. Phase 2 therefore constitutes a distinct and more advanced consultancy phase, focused on embedding systems into routine operations, achieving measurable quality of services improvements, and enabling progressive ownership by Ukrainian counterparts. Deliverables The planned level of effort for the deliverables below is 140 working days in total. Deliverable 1: Implementation and scale-up of IPC, WASH and logistics standards (45 days) Activity 1.1: Ensure consistency of IPC materials with WHO IPC practices used at WCO level through consultation with WCO IPC colleagues. Activity 1.2: Embed Phase 1 SOPs, tools and workflows into routine MEDEVAC operations at Lviv Regional EMS and other agreed operational interfaces. Activity 1.3: Align IPC, MDRO-related documentation and logistics procedures along the Ukrainian MEDEVAC chain, including corridor-level requirements where applicable. Activity 1.4: Provide technical input to other EMS systems involved in MEDEVAC operations, where feasible and requested by WHO, with emphasis on harmonisation rather than parallel systems. Activity 1.5: Ensure consistent application of core IPC, WASH and logistics standards, while documenting justified contextual adaptations. Deliverable 2: Monitoring, audit and quality improvement (32 days) Activity 2.1: Implement structured IPC monitoring and audit cycles aligned with WHO IPC Core Components. Activity 2.2: Produce periodic audit and feedback reports with trend analysis and targeted improvement recommendations. Activity 2.3: Conduct scheduled reassessments using WHO-aligned assessment tools to demonstrate measurable progression from the Phase 1 baseline. Deliverable 3: Training, mentorship and capacity transfer (40 days) Activity 3.1: Deliver IPC, WASH and logistics training to two successive cohorts of CDM and EMS staff, as determined by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and Lviv Regional EMS, using a train-the-trainer approach. Activity 3.2: Conduct simulation-based training using operational MEDEVAC vehicles and realistic patient transfer scenarios. Activity 3.3: Design, structure and package training materials for providers and trainers, including slides, facilitator notes, scenarios, drills and assessment tools, for reuse and contextual adaptation by EMS systems without redevelopment. Deliverable 4: EMT verification readiness and institutionalisation (16 days) Activity 4.1: Prepare EMT verification documentation and evidence portfolio inputs. Activity 4.2: Conduct a gap analysis against WHO EMT Minimum Standards and propose remediation measures. Activity 4.3: Establish formal IPC governance arrangements with CDM and Lviv Regional EMS, including defined roles, reporting lines and routine monitoring mechanisms. Activity 4.4: Develop a sustainability and handover package consolidating responsibilities, tools and maintenance arrangements. Deliverable 5: Reporting and knowledge management (7 days) Activity 5.1: Submit monthly progress reports in accordance with WHO requirements. Activity 5.2: Produce a consolidated end-of-consultancy report documenting outcomes, lessons learned and recommendations. Activity 5.3: Develop a replication-ready package identifying core and adaptable components of the tools and materials. Activity 5.4: Contribute to WHO knowledge-sharing across MEDEVAC corridors through reusable materials and train-the-trainer outputs, as appropriate. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages Educational Qualifications Essential: Advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in public health, WASH, emergency management, humanitarian response or a related field. Proven expertise in infection prevention and control (IPC), WASH in health emergencies, and medical logistics systems design. Desirable: Advanced level University degree in health-related science. Certification or formal training in Emergency Medical Teams, WHO IPC standards, or Health Emergency Operation Experience Essential: 15 years of progressive responsibility and professional experience in international emergency response, including lead technical roles in IPC, WASH, or emergency logistics.. At least 10 years experience with supporting Emergency Medical Teams in their certification processes. Demonstrated experience designing and leading national or multi-country operational frameworks for IPC and hygiene in emergency health contexts. Proven record of developing technical standards, guidance, and tools for WHO or comparable global health actors. Strong technical knowledge of the WHO-standards and guidance documents related to the field of IPC, hygiene and logistics in emergency health related activities. Proven experience developing SOPs, guidance documents and training materials aligned with WHO standards. Familiarity with MEDEVAC or cross-border patient transfer operations under complex emergency conditions. Current familiarity with the MEDEVAC operational activities from Ukraine to EU/EEA countries. Strong partner networking and engagement skills and able to work with a diverse team of technical experts from different organizations and agencies. Experience in developing and delivering training to healthcare professionals and affiliated staff. Desirable: Previous experience with other UN agencies, EU institutions, recognized humanitarian organizations or non-governmental organizations and collaborating with national authorities such as MoH and EMS is desirable. Flexible and able to work in multi-cultural and volatile environments. Proven planning, organizing and communication (written and verbal) skills. Computer literacy is complemented by excellent presentation techniques and skills. Skills/Knowledge Essential: Strong technical knowledge of WHO standards and guidance related to IPC, hygiene, WASH and logistics in emergency health activities. Ability to apply WHO IPC Core Components, WHO-aligned assessment tools and EMT Minimum Standards in non-standard operational settings. Strong analytical skills for audit, trend analysis, feedback and quality-improvement recommendations. Strong planning, organisation and communication skills, including written reporting and facilitation. Desirable: Excellent presentation techniques and computer literacy. Ability to package technical materials for reuse and contextual adaptation by other EMS systems. Languages and level required Essential: Expert knowledge of English and at least one other WHO official language. Desirable: Basic knowledge of another WHO official language. Location On-site for insurance purposes: The consultant will be home-based but required to travel Travel The consultant is expected to travel. Travel is anticipated to include missions to Lviv, Ukraine. Exact dates, locations and purposes should be confirmed. Remuneration Contract total value: USD 77,000 Monthly rate, daily rate and number of days: USD 550 per working day, 140 working days in total; monthly payment subject to approval of a monthly report Consultant pay band range: Consultancy Band C, mid-level Terms of payment: Payment on a monthly basis after submission of a progress report and approval by the Responsible Officer. Final payment subject to delivery and approval of the consolidated end-of-consultancy report and agreed knowledge/training package. Expected duration of contract Target Start Date: 1 October 2026, to be confirmed following completion of advertisement, screening and assessment process Target end date: 30 June 2027 Contract Duration: 140 working days, over 10 months Additional Information: This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. A written test may be used as a form of screening. If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review. For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits workforce regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice. WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates. WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. WHO shall have no responsibility for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO. Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int. In case the recruitment website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click the link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates